I have written a book on the politics of autism policy. Building on this research, this blog offers insights, analysis, and facts about recent events. If you have advice, tips, or comments, please get in touch with me at jpitney@cmc.edu

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Friday, May 20, 2011

More Problems for the Geiers

The state panel that oversees doctors in Maryland has charged a man with practicing medicine without a license just weeks after his father’s license was suspended for allegedly putting autistic children at risk.

The Maryland Board of Physicians says David Geier worked with his father, Mark Geier, at the Rockville and Owings Mills offices of Genetic Consultants of Maryland, where they used a drug therapy that autism experts say is based on junk science.

The two have built a national following of parents who believe autism is linked to mercury in vaccines, a theory discredited by mainstream medicine. The Geiers developed a treatment using Lupron, a testosterone suppressant approved for prostate cancer and ovarian fibroids. Lupron also is sometimes used in the chemical castration of sex offenders.

In children, the drug is used for “precocious puberty,” which the board said Mark Geier over-diagnosed in autistic children.

J. Steven Wise, an attorney for the Geiers, said Thursday that David Geier “categorically denies the charges.” Mark Geier has appealed his suspension.

Gov. Martin O'Malley removed David A. Geier from Maryland's Commission on Autism on Friday, telling his one-time appointee in a letter that "you do not at the present time qualify to serve."

O'Malley told Geier, who has only a bachelor's degree, that he does not qualify under Maryland law to serve as a "diagnostician," the title he held on the advisory commission. The governor also cited charges brought against him this week by the Maryland Board of Physicians.

"I regret that you were not willing to withdraw from the Commission and that this action is therefore necessary," the governor said.

The Maryland Board of Physicians charged Geier this week with practicing medicine without a license while working with his father, Dr. Mark Geier. The men operate a network of clinics, two of them in Maryland, where they treat children for autism using controversial Lupron therapy.

David Geier, through his attorneys, has said he works only in an "administrative" capacity in the clinics.

Attorney J. Steven Wise, said Friday he was unaware of the governor's action until contacted by a reporter. "David Geier denies the charges of the Board of Physicians, and we look forward to a full hearing on those charges," he said.